Music director Sundar C Babu, the son of music maestro ‘Veenai' Chittibabu came as a whiff of fresh air to the Tamil film industry with “Chittiram Pesuthadi”. Who can forget the rustic hit number ‘Valameenukkum'? He followed up this success with “Anjaathey”. And now, the young composer is back from Prague, where he went to record the numbers of the forthcoming “Thoonganagaram”. In an interview, Sundar talks about what drives his music, and forging musical partnerships cross the globe. Excerpts.
Tell us something about ‘Thoonganagaram'. What are the highlights in its music?
The script of the film was wonderful. And, director Gaurav's passion for the project saw us join hands for this film. As for the music, there are vibrant, fast folk numbers, which have become very popular, especially ‘Kondattam'. The romantic melody ‘Koorana Parvaighal' is also striking a chord with people. The background score has turned out well too.
Why did you decide to go to Prague to record the songs?
For the last two years, I've been wanting to record with live orchestras abroad for the background score. I went to the U.K., France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, before zeroing in on Prague.
The team there loved the music, and they were a warm and friendly people. I believe sound elevates a scene, and this film deserved this extra effort. Luckily, both the director and producer were okay with the idea. That is how we got to record with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in a reputed recording theatre. The music that comes forth from the French horns, the tuba and timpani are mind-blowing, and I am hopeful the audience will like the live orchestral sound in the film.
How was the experience of recording there like? And, do you intend repeating this?
It is wonderful to interact with musicians around the globe; it helps expand your thoughts and ideas. The added benefits are their professionalism and systematic approach to work. A wonderful moment was when they danced to my folk numbers — they loved the sounds of the thavil, thappatai and nadaswaram . Well, if all works out well, I wish to work with more live orchestras abroad. It helps that I have constantly been in touch with major orchestras in Europe, Russia and Australia. But, all this has a meaning only if a project demands this labour of love.
How has the last year been, professionally?
I worked on several projects that are scheduled to release this year. Four Tamil movies, and two Telugu ones are in the pipeline. My work in actor Vijayakanth's directorial venture ‘Viruthagiri' was also well accepted.
